NEW CASTLE — A 50-year-old Delaware Department of Correction officer has been charged with having sexual relations with a female inmate, authorities said late Tuesday afternoon.
Delaware State Police said investigation began on June 19 after the DOC reported that a 27-year-old female inmate alleged she had sexual relations with Fred Way III, a correctional officer assigned to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution.
Through further investigation, police said, it was determined that at least two separate alleged incidents occurred as far back as June 12, 2015.
Fred Way
Detectives obtained a warrant charging Mr. Way with two counts of sexual relations in a detention facility and one count of official misconduct.
Mr. Way, a Bear resident, turned himself in early Tuesday afternoon to detectives at Troop 2, state police said. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $5,000 unsecured bond.
After state police announced the arrest and charges, DOC Commissioner Robert M. Coupe issued a statement regarding the incident, noting that Major Way was placed on administrative leave on June 19, which remains in effect.
“Delaware law and Department of Correction policy strictly prohibit inappropriate relationships between correctional staff and any offender under our supervision, and we promote an environment that urges anyone to report suspicious behavior to our staff,” Commissioner Coupe said.
“This investigation began when such a report was made to, and immediately acted upon by, the leadership of the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution.
“The alleged conduct puts the safety of all our inmates, staff, and visitors at risk, and is made more egregious by implicating a senior member of the security staff.
“We cannot comment about the specific facts of this criminal case, which will now make its way through the criminal justice system. The Department’s internal investigation continues …”